The Border of Silence: Voices of Latgale Against Violence

The New East Culture Institute, in partnership with the civic society organization “Cita Daugavpils” and the regional media platform “Chayka.lv”, is launching the project “The Boundary of Silence: Voices of Latgale Against Violence.”

The project is an interdisciplinary initiative that brings together culture, media, and education to reduce gender-based violence and discrimination in the Latgale region. It also addresses the culture of silence, harmful stereotypes, and victim-blaming attitudes that continue to hinder access to support and limit meaningful societal action.

Gender-based violence in Latvia remains a serious and often invisible social issue. Statistics show that one in four women has experienced physical or sexual violence, while nearly one third have faced psychological abuse. Most cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and social pressure, particularly in regions such as Latgale, where access to support services is limited and violence is still often perceived as a “private matter.”

The project aims to foster an empathetic, inclusive, and informed society capable of recognizing and condemning violence, while strengthening communities’ ability to respond and provide support. It is primarily targeted at women and young women in Latgale, as well as educators, media and cultural professionals, and local communities.

As part of the project, a theatre performance with touring shows across Latgale will be produced, alongside the documentary exhibition “The Physical Evidence Museum” in Daugavpils. The exhibition will feature a public programme including story-reading marathons, lectures, discussions, guided tours, and workshops for young people.

Additionally, a dedicated podcast episode will be produced, and, in collaboration with the regional media outlet “Chayka.lv”, a series of 12 articles and multimedia stories addressing violence, discrimination, and stereotypes will be published. The project will also include community training sessions, a hackathon, and the development of a strategic document on integrating gender equality into the work of civil society organizations.

“The Boundary of Silence” symbolizes the transition from silence to voice, and from fear to action. Based on the principles of the Istanbul Convention, the project strengthens a culture of human rights and contributes to a safer, more equal, and more resilient society in Latgale.

Project implementation

Implementation period: 01 February 2026 – 31 January 2027

Total funding: EUR 60,000

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.